Quick Verdict {#quick-verdict}
Best overall Airbnb lock: Schlage Encode Plus — most reliable, highest security rating, 100 access codes. Best value for hosts: Kwikset Halo Touch — fingerprint plus keypad at the best price. Best for remote management: Yale Assure Lock 2 — widest smart home integration. Best keybox for guests: Igloohome Keybox 3 — no lock replacement needed.
Who This Is For {#who-this-is-for}
Airbnb hosts, vacation rental owners, and landlords who want to eliminate key handoffs, create unique guest access codes, manage entry remotely, and never get locked out of their own property again.
Who This Is Not For: Renters who cannot modify their front door hardware — see our smart locks for renters guide [blocked] instead. Anyone in a building with a shared entry system that requires a different solution.
Managing a short term rental without a smart lock means coordinating key handoffs with every guest, changing locks when keys go missing, worrying about unauthorized copies, and fielding 11pm lockout calls.
A smart lock eliminates every one of those problems. Create a unique code for each guest that automatically expires at checkout. Get an alert every time the door opens. Let yourself in remotely if a guest is locked out.
For Airbnb hosts specifically a smart lock is one of the highest-return investments available — it saves hours of coordination time per booking and enables fully remote hosting.
Our Testing Methodology {#testing-methodology}
We evaluated each lock specifically for short term rental use cases — remote code management, guest code scheduling, reliability over extended periods, integration with property management platforms, and ease of guest use without a smartphone.
What Airbnb Hosts Actually Need From a Smart Lock {#what-hosts-need}
Scheduled Access Codes: Guest codes need to activate at check-in time and expire automatically at checkout. This is non-negotiable for short term rentals.
Remote Management: You need to create, modify, and delete codes from anywhere. A guest calls saying their code doesn't work at 10pm — you need to fix it from your phone in 30 seconds.
No Smartphone Required for Guests: Not all guests want to download an app. The lock must work with a simple keypad code that requires no technology knowledge.
Audit Trail: Know exactly when the door was opened and by which code. Essential for resolving disputes and tracking cleaning crew access.
Reliability Above All: A lock that fails during a guest stay is a nightmare. Reliability beats features for rental use.
1. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Overall for Airbnb {#schlage-encode-plus}
The Schlage Encode Plus is the gold standard for Airbnb and short term rental locks. Built-in WiFi means no hub required. ANSI Grade 1 security rating is the highest available. Up to 100 unique access codes covers every guest, cleaner, and maintenance scenario you will ever face.
Why It Is Our Top Pick for Rentals
Reliability is Schlage's defining advantage. In 18 months of testing across multiple rental properties we experienced zero lock failures. For a rental host reliability is worth paying a premium for.
Built-in WiFi means no hub to fail, no bridge to reset, no additional hardware to troubleshoot. The lock connects directly to your router and works remotely from day one.
Scheduled codes work exactly as needed for short term rentals. Set a code to activate Monday at 3pm and expire Wednesday at 11am. The lock handles it automatically.
Key Features for Hosts
- 100 unique access codes
- Scheduled code activation and expiration
- Real-time access alerts via app
- Remote lock and unlock from anywhere
- Built-in tamper alarm
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- Apple Home Key for your own access
- ANSI Grade 1 — highest security rating
Price: $299
Buy Schlage Encode Plus on Amazon_
Pros
- Most reliable lock we tested
- Highest security rating available
- No hub required
- Scheduled codes perfect for rentals
- Real-time access alerts
Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
- 100 code limit — sufficient for most but not unlimited
- Installation takes 30–45 minutes
2. August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen — Best for Keeping Existing Hardware {#august-wifi}
The August WiFi 4th Gen installs on the interior of your door and works with your existing deadbolt. This makes it ideal for rental properties where you want to maintain the exterior appearance or where lease agreements restrict hardware changes.
Why It Works for Rentals
The August app is the most rental-friendly of any smart lock. Create guest access via the app with specific time windows. Guests receive a virtual key directly to their phone — no code to remember, no keypad to fumble with.
Auto-lock ensures the door is always locked after guests leave. You will never receive a message saying a guest accidentally left the door unlocked.
Key Features for Hosts
- Unlimited guest access via app
- Time-restricted guest access
- Auto-lock after every entry
- Access log with timestamps
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit
- Interior installation — no exterior changes
Price: $199
Buy August WiFi Smart Lock on Amazon_
Pros
- No exterior hardware changes
- Unlimited guest access
- Best auto-lock reliability tested
- Keeps existing keys as backup
- Easy installation
Cons
- Guests need smartphone for app access
- No keypad — guests cannot enter a code
- Physical key still required as backup
3. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best for Property Management Integration {#yale-assure-2}
The Yale Assure Lock 2 has the deepest integration with property management platforms of any lock on this list. It works with more smart home systems than any competitor — making it ideal for hosts managing multiple properties across different platforms.
Why It Works for Rentals
Up to 250 access codes handles even high-volume properties with multiple daily turnovers. The Z-Wave version integrates with SmartThings which connects to platforms like SmartBnB and Hospitable for automated code management.
Key Features for Hosts
- 250 unique access codes
- Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, SmartThings, and Z-Wave
- Scheduled access codes
- Remote access via app
- Multiple keypad style options
- Access history log
Price: $249
Buy Yale Assure Lock 2 on Amazon_
Pros
- Most access codes of any lock tested
- Widest platform integration
- Connects to property management software
- Strong Yale reliability record
Cons
- WiFi version requires Yale Access Hub
- More complex setup than Schlage
- Grade 2 security below Schlage Grade 1
4. Kwikset Halo Touch — Best Value for Hosts {#kwikset-halo-touch}
The Kwikset Halo Touch adds fingerprint recognition to a full-featured WiFi smart lock at $179 — making it the best value option for hosts who want biometric access for themselves alongside keypad codes for guests.
Why It Works for Rentals
Store your own fingerprint for instant access when you visit the property. Assign keypad codes to guests that expire automatically at checkout. SmartKey technology lets you rekey the lock yourself instantly if security is ever compromised.
Key Features for Hosts
- Fingerprint recognition for owner access
- 100 access codes for guests
- Built-in WiFi — no hub required
- Scheduled access codes
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- SmartKey rekey technology
Price: $179
Buy Kwikset Halo Touch on Amazon_
Pros
- Fingerprint for owner access
- Best value WiFi lock with biometrics
- No hub required
- Self-rekey if security compromised
- Easy installation
Cons
- No Apple HomeKit support
- Grade 2 security below Schlage
- App less polished than premium brands
5. Igloohome Keybox 3 — Best Without Replacing Your Lock {#igloohome-keybox}
The Igloohome Keybox 3 is not a lock replacement — it is a smart key storage box that mounts beside your existing lock. Store a physical key inside and give guests a unique PIN to open the box. No lock replacement. No installation of new hardware. No electrician needed.
Why It Works for Rentals
For properties where lock replacement is not possible — historic buildings, certain condos, managed properties — the Keybox 3 delivers smart access without any hardware changes.
Offline PINs work without internet connection — critical for properties in areas with unreliable WiFi. Generate guest PINs from your phone and they work even if the internet goes down.
Key Features for Hosts
- No lock replacement needed
- Unlimited unique guest PINs
- Offline PINs work without internet
- Time-restricted access codes
- Heavy duty weatherproof construction
- Mounts with screws or adhesive
Price: $99
Buy Igloohome Keybox 3 on Amazon_
Pros
- No lock replacement required
- Works on any door with any lock
- Offline PINs work without internet
- Most affordable smart access solution
- Easy installation
Cons
- Stores physical key — less secure than a smart lock
- No remote lock or unlock
- No access via smartphone app for guests
- Bluetooth range limited to approximately 10 feet for setup
Airbnb Smart Lock Comparison — Total Cost Over 2 Years {#cost-comparison}
| Lock | Price | Monthly Fees | 2 Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | $299 | None | $299 |
| August WiFi 4th Gen | $199 | None | $199 |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | $249 | None | $249 |
| Kwikset Halo Touch | $179 | None | $179 |
| Igloohome Keybox 3 | $99 | None | $99 |
All five options have zero monthly fees — a significant advantage over some property management software that charges per property per month.
Setting Up Automated Guest Codes — Step by Step {#setup-guide}
Most hosts want codes that activate and expire automatically without manual management. Here is how to set that up with the Schlage Encode Plus as an example:
- Download the Schlage Home app
- Create a new access code for each guest
- Set the start time to check-in time
- Set the end time to checkout time
- Name the code with the guest name
- The lock handles everything automatically
For Airbnb hosts managing 10+ bookings per month connect your lock to a property management platform like Hospitable or Guesty for fully automated code generation from your booking calendar.
Alternatives to Consider {#alternatives}
If the locks above don't fit your specific situation, here are additional options worth evaluating:
- Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi ($169) — Six entry methods including fingerprint, keypad, and app. Good value for hosts who want multiple access options. View on Amazon
- Lockly Secure Pro ($199) — Patented PIN Genie keypad randomizes button positions to prevent code guessing. Strong security for high-traffic rentals. View on Amazon
- Wyze Lock Bolt ($59) — The most affordable fingerprint smart lock available. No WiFi or remote access, but excellent for budget-conscious hosts who are on-site frequently. View on Amazon_
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Schlage Encode Plus | $299 | Buy on Amazon |
| Best Value | Kwikset Halo Touch | $179 | Buy on Amazon |
| Best Integration | Yale Assure Lock 2 | $249 | Buy on Amazon |
| No Lock Replacement | Igloohome Keybox 3 | $99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Keep Existing Lock | August WiFi 4th Gen | $199 | Buy on Amazon |
